IN A WORLD where pedigreed dogs often take the spotlight, Alyssa Romerosa stands out for her love for the underrated aspin (short for “asong Pinoy”) dogs and cats. From the quiet town of Leganes, Iloilo she has made it her life’s mission to rescue and care for stray animals that many overlook.
A Passion Rooted in Love
For Alyssa, a 27-year-old resident of Barangay Guintas, Leganes, Iloilo, the passion for animals started early. As a child, she delighted in taking care of dogs and cats.
Her love deepened after joining the Ilonggo Aspin Group, a community dedicated to rescuing aspins in Iloilo City and nearby towns. Inspired by their work, she decided to take a more active role in saving stray animals.
In August 2023, Alyssa adopted seven puppies, marking the beginning of what would become her advocacy. Realizing the growing need, she built a cage beside her home to house more rescued animals.
What started as a personal endeavor has since grown into a movement under the name “Ally Cat Dog Care Iloilo”.
Advocacy in Action
“Aspin dogs and cats are often ignored,” Alyssa explains. “They’re the ones you see roaming the streets, left to fend for themselves. These animals deserve care and protection.”
True to her words, Alyssa’s rescue efforts extend beyond Leganes and Iloilo City to other municipalities across the province. With the help of netizens and concerned citizens who report stray animals needing rescue, she works tirelessly to bring them to safety.
As of now, Alyssa’s home shelters 62 dogs and cats. Together with her supportive husband and family, she ensures that each animal receives proper care — from food and vitamins to vaccinations.
Challenges and Sacrifices
Running a rescue operation comes with its challenges, particularly the financial burden. Alyssa shares that weekly expenses for food alone amount to P1,500 for the dogs and P1,850 for the cats, excluding costs for vitamins, vaccinations, and other necessities.
To sustain her advocacy, Alyssa relies on fundraising, donations, and sometimes her husband’s salary.
“When funds fall short, we use part of my husband’s earnings to cover the costs. It’s not easy, but we find ways to make it work,” she says with determination.
Despite these hardships, Alyssa remains grateful for the outpouring of support from donors.
“Some people donate cash or in-kind items like food and vitamins. Every contribution makes a big difference,” she shares.
‘Ally Cat Dog Care Iloilo’ welcomes all forms of help. Alyssa encourages people to donate anything useful for the animals, from food to old blankets. Visitors are even welcome to drop by and see the animals they’ve helped support.
Those interested can also reach out through their Facebook page.
A Plea to Pet Owners
Beyond rescuing stray animals, Alyssa also advocates for responsible pet ownership.
“Take care of your dogs and cats, even if they’re aspins,” she urges.
For those who cannot handle the responsibility, she emphasizes the importance of spaying or neutering to prevent overpopulation.
Many of the rescue requests Alyssa receives are from overwhelmed pet owners.
“People tell us they can no longer manage because their pets have multiplied too much,” she says. “Let’s all do our part to prevent these situations.”
A Mission of Compassion
Alyssa’s journey as an animal welfare advocate shows the power of love and compassion. With the support of her family and the community, she continues to provide a safe haven for Iloilo’s aspins.
Her story reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a world of difference — not just for animals, but for humanity as a whole./PN
